- © Outdoor Leadership

Intersport Via Ferrata on the Donnerkogel

Important information for all climbing enthusiasts

The "Via Ferrata on the Donnerkogel" is located on the Zwieselam above Gosau. The ascent is with the Gosaukamm cable car. The opening hours of the via ferrata are therefore linked to the operating hours of the cable car. The right climbing equipment is a basic requirement for crossing the via ferrata. Inexperienced climbers should book a climbing guide. The appropriate contact addresses can be found below under "Information at a glance". And now everything else about the via ferrata...

Climing in Gosau on the Dachstein

The climb brings you to the summit of one of the loveliest peaks of the jagged Gosaukamm mountain range. At 2055 metres, the Grosse Donnerkogel is also one of the highest.

The Intersport Via Ferrata on the Donnerkogel offers the purest climbing pleasure to all Alpine aficionados, as well as an unforgettable Alpine adventure with a unique view over the Dachstein Glacier. On the via ferrata, you’ll go along fixed wire cables secured with iron stirrups, pegs, and up ladders to the top of the Donnerkogel. The climbing route admittedly starts off very relaxed over the Törleck, but as soon as you approach the jagged rocks of the Little Donnerkogel (1919m) and the Great Donnerkogel (2055m), the ascent becomes a challenge even for experienced climbers! Once you’ve made the ascent, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastically clear view out over the Alpine world of the Inner Salzkammergut as far as the Salzburg region.

Intersport Via Ferrata route

From the Gablonzer Hütte hut alongside the Gosaukamm cable car mountain station, the route climbs up 400 m of altitude to the summit cross on the Grosser Donnerkogel in 2 stages. The climb takes around 3 hours across steep faces ranging from a medium to difficult rating. The first section is adventurous but easier – and is therefore also a real pleasure for budding professional climbers.

40-meter-long "Stairway to heaven"

Unique attraction on the Donnerkogel via ferrata, on the Zwieselalm in Gosau: a 40-meter-long Jacob’s ladder. The new 40-meter-long panoramic "Jacob’s ladder" at the Donnerkogel via ferrata is the new top attraction for climbers on the Zwieselalm.

Donnerkogel fixed route

Suspended in air and thrilling, with a fantastic view of the Dachstein Glacier, the surrounding mountains and onto the whole of the Gosau Valley. On clear days, the view reaches until the Großglockner. Thus the highest mountain of Upper Austria, the Hohe Dachstein and the highest mountain of Austria, the Grossglockner can be admired at the same time. The course was laid over an existing climbing route by Paul Preuß, a pioneer in the Alpine climbing sport, today regarded as one of the spiritual fathers of free climbing and the best climber of his time.

The History

The course was built by outdoor specialist Heli Putz and his team at Outdoor Leadership. With Outdoor Leadership you can even book climbing lessons! In honour of the climbing pioneer, who died in an accident on the Gosaukamm Ridge on 3 October 1913, on 20 July 2013 at the lower station of the Gosaukamm lift the Paul Preuß Memorial was unveiled, designed by students at the technical college (HTL) in Hallstatt and constructed by the Deubler Company in Bad Goisern.

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Intersport Via Ferrata on the Donnerkogel

Note for climbing enthusiasts

A printed folder with climbing routes in the Salzkammergut and a detailed route description is available at the four tourist offices of the UNESCO World Heritage Region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut. In addition, local outdoor providers also offer the option of booking an experienced guide for the "via ferrata experience". You can find the contact details for this under “Information at a glance” below.

Don’t forget to make your mark!

Perpetuate - make your mark. What is the point in a visit to the summit cross without leaving behind an entry in the logbook? You will also find a ‘summit book’ on the top – those who come after you will enjoy reading your entries!

Safety on the rock face

In recent years rock climbing has developed encouragingly strong and each year inspires more and more people. Its versatility means you get a taste of everything: whether hard tracks in the Boulder room or indoor climbing hall, long routes with alpine ambience or leisurely tours on a sunny cliff - in climbing, regardless of age, everyone finds their individual conditions. Safety guidelines play an important role in enabling you to enjoy this fascination to the full. The best advice for "correct" climbing in the Salzkammergut region can be found here.

Where Hiking Enthusiasts and Sunbathers Meet

The Zwieselalm in Gosau is one of the most beautiful hiking areas in the UNESCO World Heritage Region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut. Extensive hiking routes lead over alpine meadows and through shady mountain forests where one can spend hours of enjoyment or relish in short hikes from one alpine lodge to the next. Whether you’re stopping in for a pleasant snack at the Gablonzer lodge, a thirst quencher at the Zwieselalm lodge or a relaxing sun bath at the Sonnenalm, the family-friendly hosts, pure mountain landscapes and impressive views of the picturesque Gosau Lake promise an unforgettable experience in the Lake Hallstatt and Gosau Valley region. We hope you enjoy your hiking holiday in Austria!

The most beautiful mountain huts on the Zwieselalm

Gablonzer hut / Gablonzerhütte

Wanderregion Dachstein West in Gosau: Gablonzerhütte auf der Zwieselalm in der Ferienregion Dachstein Salzkammergut

Sonnenalm in Gosau

© Kraft | Für den Bergfex: Sonnenalm auf der Zwieselalm in der Wander-und Skiregion Dachstein West in Gosau.

More via ferrata in the Gosau Valley

Lake Gosau “Laserer Alpin” Via Ferrata

© Krauß | Klettersteige im Salzkammergut: Laserer Alpin Klettersteig am Gosausee

Schmied Via Ferrata Gosau

© Alpin Laserer | Schmied Klettersteig Gosau

Children and Youngsters Via Ferrata in Gosau

Copyright ©Elisabeth Grill Kinder- und Jugend-Klettersteig

Event tips from the im-salzkammergut.at editors

Tue, Oct. 15, 2024 Car park Goisern Mitte, Bad Goisern

Free accommodation for climbers

Hotels and accommodation providers in Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau and Obertraun offer the ideal room or apartment for your holidays, no matter what your tastes. Aside from establishments rated according to the international "star" scale, you will also find around Lake Hallstatt in Austria businesses that have been awarded two to four "edelweiss". The more flowers, the greater comforts you can expect. Whether you eventually find your cozy nest in an elegant 5-star luxury hotel, at comfortable guesthouse, a family-friendly apartment, or on a traditional farm, the choice is always entirely up to you.